Who was Mary Ann Patten and what did she do?

Mary Ann Patten was a 19-year-old pregnant woman who captained the clipper ship Neptune's Car in September 1856 after her husband fell ill.

What challenges did Mary Ann Patten face on her voyage?

Patten faced a ferocious storm, a mutinous crew, and navigated through treacherous icebergs near Cape Horn.

What was the significance of Mary Ann Patten's command?

She became the first woman to command a merchant clipper ship, successfully bringing her vessel and crew safely to San Francisco Bay.

Home / Lifestyle / Teenage Captain Defies Storm & Mutiny

Teenage Captain Defies Storm & Mutiny

28 Jan

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Summary

A 19-year-old pregnant woman captained a ship through treacherous seas.
She quelled a mutiny with a powerful speech to her crew.
Her journey involved navigating storms and icebergs off Cape Horn.

In September 1856, Mary Ann Patten, a 19-year-old pregnant woman, assumed command of the clipper ship Neptune's Car after her husband fell gravely ill. Navigating the perilous waters near Cape Horn, she encountered a ferocious storm and a disloyal first mate, William Keeler.

Patten faced a mutinous crew, but her courage and a stirring speech rallied the men. She then steered the ship through violent gales and treacherous icebergs, a feat previously unheard of for a woman.

Ten weeks after departing New York in June 1856, Patten arrived in San Francisco Bay, completing a remarkable journey. Her story, now highlighted in Tilar J Mazzeo's book, showcases the capabilities of women in the 1850s.

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